Iowa Mennonite Museum and Archives

Building Open April thru October

Hours: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Mon thru Sat

Contact Information: Phone (319)-656-3271, Email – iamennohist@gmail.com

The Iowa Mennonite Museum and Archives features artifacts, archives, books and stories from the Mennonites and Amish in the Kalona area—and throughout Iowa.

Guides are available to tell the stories of the first Amish and Mennonite settlers. They can answer questions like, “What’s the difference between the Amish and the Mennonites?” or “What do the words, Amish, Mennonite or Anabaptist even mean?” They are also glad to show visitors around the museum.

Visitors will find displays on the theology, history, and current practices of the Amish and Mennonites in Iowa. In addition, you may browse various collections in the museum. Or you might enjoy the museum’s collection of women’s bonnets and coverings, and quilts. There is an “industry” room featuring a giant loom, a treadmill for animals, a man-powered lathe, and an extensive display about the historic Twin County Dairy. You can also see a “Mennonite” bedroom, living room, and kitchen.

The Archives house many historical documents including personal collections, pastoral recollections, and diaries. They also contain other primary source materials, genealogical books, periodicals, and a lending library of Amish/Mennonite/Anabaptist theology and history. Archivists are happy to accommodate researchers doing local and/or Mennonite history and aspiring genealogists.

The Iowa Mennonite Museum and Archives is owned and operated by the Mennonite Historical Society of Iowa.